Randy W. Buchanan

Buchanan – Randy W., 69, of Johnstown, passed away on June 30, 2022 at Shadyside Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 21, 1952 in Johnstown. Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Wava Jane (Wain) Buchanan. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, fishing partner, and favorite travel companion of 44 years Patricia (Rachael) Buchanan and his father, Donald Buchanan, Stoystown.  Two brothers, Rickie Buchanan, Central City and Mark Buchanan (Christine Blasco), Stoystown and two sisters Deborah Adams (Charles), Stoystown and Karen Alvarez (Alfred) Milliken, CO.  Several nieces and nephews which whom he had special relationships with each. Rebecca Buchanan, Kimberly (Buchanan) Lardieri, Michael Adams, Brian Adams, Shaun Tomko, Colton Buchanan, Amy (Rachael) Freeman, Angela Rachael, Avril Givens, James Rachael Jr., Christopher Rachael, and Brian Rachael. And many great nieces and nephews. Randy worked for Frito Lay for 30 years as a route salesman. He was a talented artist with many beautiful paintings and drawings. Randy felt most at peace in nature and spent much of his free time outdoors. He had a deep appreciation for the simple things and cherished his time spent with family, friends, and especially his wife, Pat. He loved to travel, try new things, and encouraged others to do the same. He enjoyed a good scotch or glass of wine and evenings at Rizzo’s. Randy was a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and was the President of the Johnstown based Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited (MLTU) where he served in that volunteer capacity for the past 30 years. Under his tenure and leadership MLTU achieved local, state and national recognition. MLTU was awarded the Silver Trout Award by National Trout Unlimited in 1999 which recognized the chapter as one of the top chapters in the United States for its stream improvement projects and enhancement of the coldwater resource in Cambria, Somerset and Bedford Counties. In 1999 MLTU also received the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited Edward Urbas Outstanding Trout Unlimited Chapter Award recognizing it as the best chapter in the state. MLTU received the outstanding state chapter award again in 2002. Under Randy’s direction MLTU sponsored and hosted, in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies, the initial public information and planning meeting on the then proposed 6 site 5 million dollar Oven Run abandoned mine drainage (AMD) treatment system project on the Stonycreek River in 1995. The completion of these systems have restored 15 miles of fishery, enabled a white water recreation destination point to become a reality and began the resurgence in the eco-tourism industry in the Cambria-Somerset region. MLTU also secured a grant from National Trout Unlimited, and along with a monetary contribution from the local chapter, enabled the construction of an interpretive trail at Oven Run Site D that over 20 years later is still used to inform and educate the public about the water quality improvements in the region. The chapter also became the sponsor organization for the Quemahoning Creek Restoration Plan that led directly to the construction of AMD treatment systems that have restored a fishery to Quemahoning Creek, which had been absent for over 100 years, as well as significantly improved the water quality of the Quemahoning Reservoir.  Randy also spearheaded the chapter’s efforts and provided vocal support for the public acquisition of the Manufacturers Water Company properties that included the Quemahoning Reservoir. Individually he received the Volunteer Spotlight Award from Lift Johnstown in 2015 for his many contributions to natural resource conservation. In 2018 he received the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited Doc Fritchey Award as the outstanding volunteer coldwater conservationist in the state. He was also awarded the MLTU Order of the Mug in 1996 and again in 2020 for his long time contributions to the local chapter. Randy was a founding member of and served as President of the Yellow Creek Coalition which has worked to enhance the angling opportunities and improve the water quality in the Yellow Creek watershed in Bedford County. He also was a long-time member of the Quemahoning Rod and Gun Club and the Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP). Randy was a professional fly tyer and fly tying instructor and demonstrated and taught his skills as a celebrity fly tyer at the national Fly Fishing Shows across the country as well as at countless local and state events. His many angling and fly tying skills were also profiled in multiple local, state and national outdoor magazines, newspapers and other publications including books authored by Charlie Meck and Ann McIntosh as well as the recent multi-authored book Keystone Fly Fishing. Despite his angling prowess, his real passion was protecting and conserving natural resources, in particular the coldwater resource, where he spent countless volunteer hours leading and directing successful efforts and projects that achieved those goals. His iconic phrase of “Catch one,” will echo forever in the minds of all those who shared and experienced time on the water with him. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, July 7^th, from 3 p.m. until time of the celebration of Randy’s life at 7 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited, 417 Old Farm Lane Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of Randy. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.